*Note: CPAs may specialize in different areas. Be sure to check credentials and service offerings.*
If this is your first time working with a CPA, don’t worry — most professionals offer a free consultation and will walk you through what to expect. You may be asked to complete an intake form, share financial documents, or set clear goals for your session.
*Note: Every CPA operates a bit differently. Don’t hesitate to ask questions before committing.*
*Tip: Organize your documents in advance to save time and ensure accuracy.*
*Note: Preparation helps you make the most of your CPA’s expertise.*
*Note: Every CPA is different — take time to find one who fits your goals and style.*
4655 Cass St Ste. 403
San Diego, California 92109
Very professional! Heath is an expert, knowledgeable and very patient. Chau was a joy to work with and also very knowledgeable and patient. Tax time is always a stressful time for me; however, working with this experienced and adept team reduces my anxiety tremendously. They do the heavy lifting. Very efficient as well! They are friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and efficient.
THOROUGHLY SATISFIED AND IMPRESSED WITH THE PROFESSIONALISM, KINDNESS, AND CARE I RECEIVED! I?m in the process of starting my first business and not exactly sure what I am doing. I knew I needed to talk to someone about my accounting and taxes so I can get things started off on the right foot. I looked up ?taxes near me? on Google and Pacific Beach Tax Center was one of the first recommendations. I decided to take my chances and go talk to them w/o an appointment. It took me a minute to find the office b
Heath has been my personal tax accountant and business CPA in San Diego for 10 years now. He is all-knowing when it comes to even the most complicated of cases, and he cares very much about his clients! His staff is also really great, and as I continue to grow my businesses and offerings, there is no one that I would trust to handle it all than Heath and PB Tax Center for all of our tax needs!
Very professional owner & staff. After being a client for many years I can confidently say they are one of the best in the business. Heath and his team are very respectful and very nice people to work with and have been extremely helpful over the years. I highly recommend their A+ tax services. Only have good things to say about my experience with PB Tax Center over the years.
These guys are really good. I came with a large list of questions regarding my previous tax return, tax entities, liability issues, insurance, investments, etc. Heath was able to provide detailed answers to all of them. He even calculated how much money I'm going to have to pay in taxes after all deductions this year. He was very friendly, professional, knowledgeable, informative, helpful, honest and specific. His prices are very very reasonable. I highly recommend PB Tax Center to everyone.
The staff at PB Tax have served as my trusted advisors for tax planning and filing services for over 10 years. They consistently out-perform the results I get from Turbo Tax. And if I owned a business too I would be very comfortable using them for accounting, payroll and planning services.
Heath was amazing and took the time to explain what I needed as a new business owner. I highly recommend using them for all tax needs and questions !
H . is the man !! been working with him for 3 years now!!! working with him one -one that is nothing better. He also help me with my booking and I highly reccommend his services . thanks so much for all work you been done for me and my bussines.
Great SD atmosphere. Definitely a young crowd. Great shops, great beach. And you've gotta go there at least once for the 4th of July.
They always take care of me they are the best I never had a problem since I first started hiring them 5 years ago I think they go way beyond for personal care and really knowing what their clients needs are thank you guys so much
I do not recommend, steer clear....
Look for a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, which ensures they’ve passed rigorous exams and meet state requirements. Check for relevant experience in your industry, additional certifications like CFA or CMA, and membership in professional organizations like the AICPA. Verify their credentials through state licensing boards.
Use online directories like the AICPA, CPAverify, or state CPA societies. Search platforms like Yelp or Google for local CPAs with reviews. Ask for referrals from business associates, friends, or financial advisors. Local chambers of commerce can also provide recommendations.
A CPA is a licensed professional who has passed the CPA exam and met state requirements for education and experience. An accountant may lack this certification and could have varying levels of expertise. For complex tasks like tax audits or financial reporting, a CPA is typically more qualified.
Ask about their experience with your specific financial needs, such as tax preparation, small business accounting, or estate planning. Review their website or LinkedIn for case studies or client testimonials. Inquire about their client base to ensure they handle similar financial situations.
Yes, reviews provide insight into a CPA’s reliability, communication, and performance. Check platforms like Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau for client feedback. Look for patterns in reviews, but verify their authenticity, as some may be biased or outdated.
Visit your state’s Board of Accountancy website or use CPAverify.org to check a CPA’s license status. Confirm their license is active and check for any disciplinary actions or complaints. This ensures they’re in good standing and meet professional standards.
Ask about their experience with your financial needs, fee structure, availability, and communication style. Inquire how they handle tax filings, audits, or financial planning. Ask for references or examples of similar work to assess their expertise and fit.
Fees vary based on location, services, and complexity. Basic tax preparation may cost $150-$500, while business accounting or audits can range from $1,000 to $10,000+. Request a detailed fee structure upfront and compare quotes from multiple CPAs.
Yes, many CPAs offer remote services through secure online platforms for document sharing and virtual consultations. Ensure they use encrypted tools for data security. Remote CPAs can be effective if they understand your local tax laws or business regulations.
During consultations, evaluate their ability to explain complex financial concepts clearly. Ask sample questions about taxes or financial strategies and note their responsiveness and clarity. Good communication ensures you understand their advice and fosters a productive relationship.
Beware of CPAs who guarantee specific tax refunds, lack a valid license, or have disciplinary actions on record. Avoid those with poor communication, vague fee structures, or negative reviews highlighting unethical behavior. Always verify their credentials independently.
Large firms offer more resources and specialized teams but may charge higher fees. Solo practitioners often provide personalized service and lower costs but may have limited availability. Choose based on your needs, budget, and preference for personalized attention.
For individuals, annual meetings for tax preparation may suffice. Businesses may need quarterly or monthly check-ins for bookkeeping, tax planning, or financial reporting. Discuss your needs upfront to establish a meeting schedule that aligns with your financial goals.
Yes, many CPAs handle both, but confirm their expertise in both areas. Ask about their experience managing personal taxes and business accounting simultaneously. Ensure they can balance both without compromising attention to your specific financial needs.
Discuss concerns directly with your CPA to resolve issues. If unresolved, check your contract for termination terms. Seek a new CPA by researching reviews, credentials, and referrals. Request your financial records to ensure a smooth transition to a new professional.